Went down to view the races from the other side - as a spectator, with a camera & Tenz at my side. Followed the runners after synching my stop-watch with the start, past GOMA & under the William Jolly Bridge to the start of the Riverside Drive. Stood there with Glenda & Matt R & was surprised to see the first two HMs sprint right past the bikepath/ footpath & head up round the milk factory. There was a steward standing further down the road rather than at the entry. Fortunately, Steve "the footman" cycled up shortly after & got another cyclist to chase them down & send 'em back. They probably lost a minute here & were understandably not too happy. Saw Pat a little later & he mentioned his camera wasn't working & could I take some shots at the finish.
I then headed over the Victoria Bridge to cheer & take some photos as the leaders came back from Coro Drive. I was approached by a guy who really wanted to pat Tenzing. No problem, until he opened up his wallet to show me his Border Collie who had recently died. And then a flood of tears, he was pretty distraught.
Back over to the finish where I had to run to catch a shot of the winner crossing in about 70 mins, only 30 secs or so to his nemesis & they were minutes ahead of anyone else. Puntermatt had a great run & in my excitement I had the shutter button depressed but the camera off- duh! Peter H also had a great run finishing in 82, with both Mike H & Wayne PBing as well. Damn if I wasn't running...conditions were good, coolish, a bit of rain & a breeze, would've suited the marathoners.
Watched the top finishers in the marathon come thru' including a gutsy effort by Roxie Schidmt who charged past me to finish in 2.49.
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